Yamaha String Instruments The Birth of Yamaha’s Flagship Violin, The Artida Series — Tradition, Evolved —
The Story Behind Yamaha’s String Instruments Our experience crafting violins began with research in the 1990s. After a decade of work we presented the first fruits of our efforts, the V-60 and V-30. Moving forward with the knowledge and experience accumulated over that first ten years, we applied newly developed technologies such as 3-D modeling, ultra-precision machining, and precision controlled seasoning to create the YVN200G/S and YVN100G/S. While we were making great strides in our pursuit to reproduce legendary instruments we were not yet fully satisfied. We had set out to create an ideal violin that would be more accessible to all, but achieving this goal would require more time. The breakthrough came with our development of A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) technology. A.R.E. changes the characteristics of the wood, accelerating its maturing process so that an instrument crafted from A.R.E. treated woods sounds and plays when new, as if it has been played for years. What’s more is the instrument continues to mature naturally as it ages. Taking full advantage of this advancement, we went back and redesigned, focusing on the instrument’s shape and thickness. We also developed a new antique finish to bring out the best in its beauty and tone. The fruits of our labor can be witnessed in our flagship YVN500S—an instrument born out of the desire to recreate a historic instrument, and an instrument that brings an entirely new range of possibilities to modern violin making.
CONTENTS
Introduction ...... 1
Artida Violins ...... 3
Braviol Violins ...... 7
Braviol Cellos ...... 12
Braviol Violas ...... 15
Carbon Bows, Accessories ...... 17
Specifications ...... 18
1 The Birth of Yamaha’s Flagship Violin, The Artida Series — Tradition, Evolved —
In order to take full advantage of A.R.E., we first did a The Woods full review of the arching and the distribution of thickness. What qualities do vintage violins possess that makes them Teaming up with world-class violinists and master violinmakers project so well and play so expressively? This question has at the same time gave us critical feedback through their challenged luthiers for centuries. Taking on this issue, we focused uncompromising evaluations. Through these collaborations we on one point in particular, that being the aging of the materials, experienced the historical development of the violin—centuries and with this in mind we launched a new project in the late of progress—over the course of a few short years, making the 1990’s. The answer came in 2001 when we found how to give entire process a highly rewarding experience. With all this the woods over a short period of time, the same characteristic complete, we are able to introduce Yamaha’s flagship violin, changes that have occurred in woods of antique instruments. the YVN500S—an instrument of exceptional caliber both in Utilizing the power of steam we could promote the crystallization production and playability. of cellulose and the breakdown of hemicellulose in the woods. Through this finding we developed our A.R.E. technology. Before bringing it to our violins, this The Finish technology was first applied The range of effect that varnish has on an instrument’s to several guitar models tonal quality was demonstrated with the YVN200G/S and and on acoustic building YVN100G/S. Advancing our knowledge and know-how in materials used in concert finishes further, we formulated a special antique varnish that hall construction were it has gives the instrument a vintage appearance worthy of its mature been proven effect and has tone. In order to create this finish, we carefully analyzed the received great acclaim from condition of a number of existing vintage violins of different around the globe. In applying ages and in different countries to better understand the textural A.R.E. to violins we could characteristics that these accomplish what was not vintage instruments possible with the YVN200G/ possess. We refined the S and YVN100G/S and craftsman’s technique and create an instrument that delivers wide-ranging musical expression the texture around the with excellent projection. edges of the instrument to develop an original method. The finish is The Craftsmanship the product of six years In making the YVN500S, we tried to remain faithful to of work that involved tradition while applying the most fitting of modern technologies. research into peeling Using high precision modeling technology as well as resonance the varnish, creating the analysis we could accurately model the shape and thickness of a gradients, perfecting each number of vintage violins process, and finding the to determine optimum back optimum balance between each of these aspects. Through our and top designs. Modeling efforts, we have found how to give fine modern violins the technology has been one classic look and beauty found in fine antique instruments. of our specialties since the development of the V-60/ When we first started crafting violins, our goal was to create V-30 and we used extensively instruments that would support and evolve along with the this time, to quantify and player—integrating the present with tradition. Our flagship reveal just what today’s violin from the Artida series, the YVN500S, supports you as master violinmakers are your future and potential grow. thinking and sensing. This process took a great deal of time.
2 YVN500S Yamaha Violin
Based on the designs of Stradivarius and optimized with Yamaha’s A.R.E. technology, Yamaha’s flagship violin delivers the finest nuances required to create music. Enhancing the tone of the Stradivarius through the use of technology and the craftsman’s skill elevates this instrument to a superior class and provides the finest level of playability that meets the expectations of professional musicians.
The YVN500S is sold as a separate instrument only. It doesn’t include case, bow, or other accessories. Not available in some regions. Please contact your dealer for more information.
3 Acoustic Resonance Enhancement
A.R.E. is a Yamaha original wood reforming 2: Increased mid-range technology that improves the wood’s acoustic response. 0 0 40 characteristics through the use of precision 40 −40 -40 60 controlled humidity, temperature, and 60 el [dB] −60 -60 el [dB]
atmospheric pressure. This process manipulates e Lev 80 −120 80 e Lev -120 0 the molecular properties of the wood elativ 0 R 100 elativ R 100 transforming it into a state similar to woods in 0.1 0.1 0.2 120 instruments that have been played for years, 0.2 120 0.3 0.3 15 140 10 15 140 drastically improving the instrument’s sound Time [s] 5 Time [s] 10 0 0 5 Frequency [kHz] Frequency [kHz] quality. The treatment is chemical free making it 1: Improved low range 3: High-range dissonance an environmentally friendly process. volume and sustain. has shorter decay. The graph shows how the A.R.E. treatment results in the characteristic changes given below. 1: Improving the low range volume and sustain delivers a stronger fundamental tone with better projection. 2: Increased mid-range response delivers richer tone and more expressive power. 3: High range dissonance has a shorter decay improving instrument response and articulation. Our research team, which has many years experience studying woods for instruments, started the A.R.E project in the 1990s with the goal of using this technology on our violins. Before we brought it to the violin, it was utilized first on guitars, and for acoustic building materials used in concert halls where it has been proven to deliver significant improvements in the product’s performance. We are pleased that we can now use this technology on the instrument that it was originally intended for, and take great pride in presenting the YVN500S, the flagship of the Artida series.
Zakhar Bron Professor at the Cologne Musikhochschule, Zurich University of the Arts Yamaha knows that a dedicated, uncompromising approach is the only way to develop superior-sounding instruments. YVN500S has taken shape through interpreting and reflecting my advice into design. With continuous dedication to achieving the sound I require, Yamaha has improved the instrument every time and has ambitiously succeeded in making a very spirited and powerful instrument.
Rainer Küchl Principal concert master of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Vienna State Opera Orchestra Professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna When I recently tested the violin at a concert, the tone compared favorably with orchestra violins and I was astonished by Yamaha’s outstanding manufacturing technologies. I am hoping that in the future this violin will encounter new virtuosos to perform much music.
Tsugio Tokunaga Professor at Kunitachi College of Music Specially Appointed Professor at Toho Gakuen School of Music I had repeated discussions on countless occasions with Yamaha staff. These efforts culminated in the birth of a violin that combines three attributes into a single instrument, namely, the dynamism and beauty of the tone and the ease of playing. My favorite aspect of this violin is that it always brings out the spirit of players.
4 YVN200G/100G Yamaha Violins Rich Tone, Full of Depth The YVN200G/100G features a design based upon the legendary instruments of Guarneri del Gesu. This is a violin capable of great emotional expression, and it is characterized by full, rich tone with a clearly defined low and mid range, and a high range that is sweet and melodious. Crafted by the most experienced artisans the YVN200G is example of the finest craftsmanship that Yamaha has to offer. The YVN100G is crafted by the same experienced artisans who produce the YVN200S, and delivers exceptional quality at a surprisingly affordable price.
YVN200G
The YVN200G/100G is sold as a separate instrument only. It doesn’t include case, bow, or other accessories. Not available in some regions. Please contact your dealer for more information.
5 YVN200S/100S Yamaha Violins Lively and Exciting Sound The YVN200S/100S has been created from the study and analysis of violins crafted by the master, Stradivari. It produces a brilliant, noble tone that is highly responsive to the player’s expression and it is exceptionally sensitive to the slightest changes in bowing. The YVN200S is made from wood rigorously selected and precisely seasoned and their finish has been applied using techniques learned from the great masters of the past. The YVN100S was designed to offer quality as close as possible to the YVN200S, yet at prices appealing to the budget conscious.
YVN200S
The YVN200S/100S is sold as a separate instrument only. It doesn’t include case, bow, or other accessories. Not available in some regions. Please contact your dealer for more information.
6 YVN50 Yamaha Violin Brilliant Tone Full of Life Inheriting the same design concept of YVN100S violin, the YVN50 provides violinists with a quality instrument that produces a bright stunning tone. Choice pieces of spruce and maple specially selected from Yamaha’s rich wood stocks are crafted into instruments that offer a lustrous appearance and rich tone. Its tone and response will richen and grow over time as the instrument matures along with the player.
The YVN50 is sold as a separate instrument only. It doesn’t include case, bow, or other accessories. Not available in some regions. Please contact your dealer for more information.
7 V20G Yamaha Violin
Exceptional Quality and Value The V20G is another Guarneri-inspired violin which produces a rich and sweet, yet powerful sound. Each instrument is painstakingly finished with a specially formulated shading oil varnish which gives a beautiful appearance and warmer tone. The wood material has been carefully selected and like the YVN Series violins, the V20G offers excellent sound and playability, with consistent quality in every instrument.
V20SG Yamaha Violin
The V20G is sold as a separate instrument only. It doesn’t include case, bow, or other accessories. The V20SG is a set including V20G violin, case (VHC2), high quality pernambuco bow, and rosin.
8 V10G Yamaha Violin An Excellent Step-up Instrument Designed especially with younger performers in mind, the V10G is based on the same Stradivari-inspired design as the YVN200S and YVN100S violins. Each instrument features a hand-carved spruce top, maple sides and back, and a special hand applied shading oil varnish normally found only on higher-price instruments.
V10SG Yamaha Violin
The V10G is sold as a separate instrument only. It doesn’t include case, bow, or other accessories. The V10SG is a set including V10G violin, case (VHC2), high quality pernambuco bow, and rosin.
9 V7G Yamaha Violin Excellent Quality for Young Players An excellent choice for beginning to intermediate players, the V7G and V7SG offers fine quality at a very affordable price. It can be an ideal setup instrument for students who have advanced beyond the level of their beginner violins.
V7SG is available in 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full sizes. Fraction sizes come in shaped cases, while the full-size has an oblong case. All come complete with bow, case, and rosin.
V7SG Yamaha Violin
The V7G is sold as a separate instrument only. It doesn’t include case, bow, or other accessories. The V7SG is a set including V7G violin, case, bow, and rosin.
10 V5SC/V5SA Yamaha Violins A Perfect Start Perfect for the beginning violinist, the V5SC/V5SA features a spruce top and maple back and neck made from high quality materials. Each instrument is handcrafted utilizing the same traditional methods as used on high-end violins. Designed, sized, and priced for young students, they are quality instruments that will get any student off to a great start.
The V5SC offers a Wittner “Ultra” The V5SA features ebony tailpiece, tailpiece with 4 fine tuners. chinrest, and endpin.
V5SC V5SA
The V5SC/V5SA violins come with a case, bow, and rosin. They are available in the following sizes: V5SC (1/16) V5SA (4/4) V5SC 4/4 3/4 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/10 1/16 V5SA 4/4 3/4 1/2 1/4 1/8 – – Not available in some regions. Please contact your dealer for more information.
11 V5SC/V5SA VC20G Yamaha Cello Greater Expression for Improving Players The new Cello VC20G is a mid grade Cello for advanced students which creates a great bright and clear sound. The wood material has been well seasoned and carefully selected. The VC20G has a nice artistic shading finish with hand brushed oil varnish.
The VC20G is sold as a separate instrument only. It doesn’t include case, bow, or other accessories.
12 VC7SG Yamaha Cello Greater Expression for Improving Players The VC7SG cello features the same select, high quality wood and hand craftsmanship as the V7SG violin. It is finished and adjusted by the most experienced artisans, and is capable of beautiful rich tonal colors. The VC7SG is a perfect step-up instrument for advancing students.
The VC7SG cellos come with a soft case, bow, and rosin.
13 VC5S Yamaha Cello Perfect for the Beginning Cellist The VC5S cello offers the same warm sound and excellent value as the V5 violins. They are made of high quality materials and are individually hand finished by caring craftspeople. Each instrument is hand sculpted by the same traditional methods as used on high-end string instruments. They are quality instruments that can inspire the musical future of students.
VC5S is available in 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full sizes.
The VC5S cellos come with a soft case, bow, and rosin.
14 VA7SG Yamaha Viola For the Advancing Violist The VA7SG viola is handcrafted from carefully selected, high quality wood and is finished and adjusted by expert artisans. It features a beautiful warm sound with abundant tonal colors, and is perfect as a step-up instrument for improving students or for doublers.
The VA7SG violas come with a hard case, bow, and rosin. They are available in the following 4 sizes; 15", 15.5", 16", 16.5".
15 VA5S Yamaha Viola Ideal for the Beginning Violist The VA5S viola is made of high grade materials and is designed to help beginning students sound good as quickly as possible. Each instrument is hand sculpted using the same traditional methods as used on high-end string instruments. They are quality instruments that can inspire the musical future of students.
The VA5S violas come with a hard case, bow, and rosin. They are available in the following 6 sizes: 13”, 14", 15", 15.5", 16", 16.5".
16 Carbon Bows
Violin Bows Overall Weight 59.0g (Light) 60.5g (Medium) 62.0g (Heavy) YBN100 Series YBN100-M1 Closer to frog 230mm Yamaha crafts five carbon bows that offer wood-like appearance plus YBN100-L2 YBN100-M2 YBN100-H2 a selection of weights and balances to satisfy individual player preferences. Balance 245mm YBN100-M3 Closer to tip 260mm
* Weight and balance values listed above may have an error of +0.3g/-0.3g, +5mm /-5mm.
Violin Bow CBB101 “It’sRainer a new era for violinists….. Küchl These carbon bows have the multiplied elastic force. I play it for Orchestra and Viola Bow Solo Performances. I recommend Yamaha CBB202 bows not only for professional musicians, but also for amateurs and beginners.”
Principal concert master of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Vienna State Opera Orchestra Professor at the University Cello Bow of Music and Performing Arts Vienna CBB301
Artist Signature Model CBB107ZB Zakhar Bron Model ZakharOne of the world’s Bron most respected and preeminent violin professors and soloists, Zakhar Bron is the mentor of such great violinists as Vadim Repin, Maxim Vengerov, Daishin Kashimoto, and Tamaki Kawakubo. Bron is very particular when it comes to bow performance and his collaboration with Yamaha manufacturing expertise has resulted in the Zakhar Bron signature bow.
Specifications
Stick Frog Button Model Grip Winding Material Color Material Eye (Ring) Metal Core
YBN100-L2, YBN100-M1, Lizard Leather/ Abalone/ Abalone/Snakewood YBN100-M2, YBN100-M3, CFRP, GFRP Wood Gold-filled Brass Snakewood Nickel Brass Brown Nickel Brass Ring Inlay Violin 4/4 YBN100-H2
CBB101 CFRP, GFRP Black Leather/Black Silver Plate Ebony Pearl (Cupronickel) Cupronickel Plastic
Viola 4/4 CBB202 CFRP, GFRP Black Leather/Black Silver Plate/Décor Ebony Pearl (Cupronickel) Cupronickel Plastic
Cello 4/4 CBB301 CFRP, GFRP Black Leather/Black Silver Plate Ebony Pearl (Cupronickel) Cupronickel Plastic
Violin 4/4 Abalone Inlaid CBB107ZB CFRP, GFRP Black Leather/Black Gold Brass/Décor Ebony Abalone (Gold Brass) Gold Brass Zakhar Bron Model Ebony
* Specifications and design are subject to change without notice. Accessory VHC-2 Hard Case The VHC-2 case provides the violinist with a slim, lightweight, and durable case for transporting and storing the violin. The case’s interior is finished with a high-grade, wine red material that holds the instrument comfortably while large capacity compartments offer convenient storage for accessories. *The VHC-2 is included in the V10SG and V20SG outfit.
17 Specifications
Violins (Artida) Violins (Braviol)
YVN500S YVN200G/200S YVN100G/100S YVN50 V20G V20SG
Stradivarius Design Model Guarneri del Gesu / Stradivarius Stradivarius Guarneri del Gesu (YVN500S Original)
Sizes 4/4
Spruce Spruce Spruce Top Spruce YVN500 Grade YVN200 Grade YVN100 Grade Instrument Features Maple Maple Maple Back, Side, Neck Maple YVN500 Grade YVN200 Grade YVN100 Grade
Ebony Ebony Finger Board Ebony YVN500 Grade YVN200/100 Grade
Varnish Oil Varnish, Antique Oil Varnish, Italian Gold Oil Varnish, Shading
Finish Fully Hand Brushed
Tailpiece Boxwood
Gotz “Hill Type” Gold Fine Tuner Wittner “Hill Type” Gold (on E String) Wittner (on E String) (on E String)
Bridge Aubert “deluxe” with Parchment Aubert “luxe” with Parchment Parts Chin Rest Boxwood Peg
Infeld Red (GDA), Dominant (GDA), Strings Dominant (GDA), Goldbrokat (E) Dominant (GDA), Helicore (E) Goldbrokat (E) Infeld Red (E)
Case -- Hard Case (VHC2)
Set Components Bow -- Pernambuco
Rosin -- Schwarz
Violins (Braviol)
V10G V10SG V7G V7SG V5SC V5SA
Design Model Stradivarius V7G: 4/4 Sizes 4/4 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16 4/4 3/4 1/2 1/4 1/8 V7SG: 4/4 3/4 1/2 1/4 1/8 Top Spruce Instrument Features Back, Side, Neck Maple
Finger Board Ebony
Varnish Oil Varnish, Shading Oil Varnish, Plain
Finish Fully Hand Brushed
Tailpiece Ebony Wittner “Ultra” (4 Fine Tuners) Ebony
Fine Tuner Wittner (on E String) Wittner “Ultra” (4 Fine Tuners) on All Strings
Bridge Aubert with Parchment Aubert Yamaha Original Parts Chin Rest Ebony Peg
Strings Dominant (GDA), Helicore (E) Helicore Prelude
Shaped Hard Case Case -- Hard Case (VHC2) -- Shaped Hard Case (4/4 with Oblong Case) Set Components Bow -- Pernambuco -- Brazilian Wood
Rosin -- Schwarz -- Schwarz Super sensitive Mini rosin
Violas (Braviol) Cellos (Braviol)
VA7SG VA5S VC20G VC7SG VC5S
Design Model Stradivarius
Sizes 15", 15.5", 16", 16.5" 13", 14", 15", 15.5", 16", 16.5" 4/4 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4
Top Spruce Instrument Features Back, Side, Neck Maple
Finger Board Ebony
Varnish Oil Varnish, Shading Oil Varnish, Plain Oil Varnish, Shading Oil Varnish, Plain
Finish Fully Hand Brushed Hand Brushed
Tailpiece Wittner “Ultra” (4 Fine Tuners) Fine Tuner
Bridge Aubert Yamaha Original Aubert luxe Aubert Yamaha Original Parts Chin Rest Ebony --
Peg Ebony
Strings Helicore Prelude Lersen(AD), Spirocore(CG) Helicore Prelude
Case Shaped Hard Case -- Soft Case
Set Components Bow Brazilian Wood -- Brazilian Wood
Rosin Schwarz Piranito -- Schwarz Piranito * Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.
18 For details please contact:
LST-1501 (P10027238) Printed in Japan